Fantasy Football Week 15: Thursday's Injury Report

By Charles Chan

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Injury Report offers readers up-to-date information on notable injuries happening around the NFL. With owners preparing their lineups for the second round of the fantasy football playoffs, it’s important to know which player’s injuries are minor or which will be detrimental to their performance in Week 15.

RG3 (knee) was limited in Thursday’s practice, but the fact that he’s been able to work through drills for the second consecutive day is a positive sign for his fantasy owners. As of Thursday, RG3 is reportedly moving well and appears unfazed by his knee when planting or dropping back, but it still sounds like he’ll be sporting a knee brace if he does start. My only concern isn’t whether or not he’ll play on Sunday but rather if he’ll be limited to just throwing the ball. Half of RG3’s production this season has come from his dangerous ability to take off with his legs, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s an efficient passer. Bottom line, if he starts in real life, you start him in your fantasy lineups.

After sitting out Thursday’s practice, coach Tom Coughlin was noncommittal when asked about Bradshaw’s (knee) availability for Week 15. The Giants are still waiting on one last medical check later this week but Bradshaw’s status for Sunday appears murky and RB David Wilson could be looking at borderline RB1 value if Bradshaw is ruled out.

Murray (foot) returned to practice on Thursday. As predicted, Murray simply was given a day’s rest for Wednesday’s practice after racking up 52 touches in two games since returning from a foot injury. He’ll be a full-go for Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ No. 5-ranked run defense.

Bryant (finger) returned to practice on Thursday. He showed up to Cowboys practice with a padded glove on his left hand with bulky tape around his fractured left index finger. He participated in quite a few reps and looked good catching the ball. After practice, Bryant gave his fantasy owners some assurance by telling reporters, “Only thing y’all need to know is I’m playing.”

Shorts (concussion) was limited in Thursday’s practice. He has already passed his concussion tests and has been cleared to play, but he wants to be smart about his health and has refused to guarantee that he’ll suit up for Sunday’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins. The situation is worth monitoring.

Nelson (hamstring) missed practice again on Thursday. After coach Mike McCarthy deemed him a long shot for Week 15 when speaking to reporters on Wednesday, it certainly appears that way at this point. WR Greg Jennings will get the start opposite Randall Cobb. It’ll be tough to trust Jennings after a one-catch performance in Week 14 though.

White (knee) was held out again from Thursday’s practice. It’s a strange turn of events after several sources had confirmed that White was expected to start against the Giants. But one thing remains certain, White’s availability for Week 15 will come down to a game-time decision. Owners need to have a backup plan ready. If you’re desperate, WR Harry Douglas is still available in a lot of leagues, and appears he will draw the start opposite Julio Jones if White is unable to play.

Pettigrew (ankle) was held out of practice again on Thursday. It is a sign for concern as other minor ally injured players, such as Louis Delmas and Chris Houston, returned to practice after earning a day’s rest on Wednesday. Pettigrew remains questionable for Sunday’s matchup with the lowly Arizona Cardinals. Expect WR Calvin Johnson and TE Tony Scheffler to dominate Matt Stafford‘s attention in Week 15.